Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III condemned the relentless suffering inflicted by the Kremlin's imperial ambitions on the Ukrainian people.
Austin addressed the 13th Ukraine Defense Contact Group, highlighting the recent Russian missile attack in Kryvyi Rih and emphasizing the devastating consequences of the war on innocent Ukrainian civilians, according to a June 15 statement. Despite the challenges, Austin commended the Ukrainian people for their courage and determination to liberate their sovereign territory from Russian occupation.
"The Kremlin's imperial ambitions have inflicted unimaginable suffering on the Ukrainian people," Austin said in his statement. "Yet the Ukrainians continue to inspire us with their resilience, their bravery, and their unwavering commitment to keep their country free and secure."
The meeting was described as critical and historic, focusing on upholding the values of sovereignty and freedom, according to his statement. Austin expressed gratitude to Ukrainian Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov for his leadership, which reflects the determination of the Ukrainian people.
Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine was met with unexpected resistance, according to a Nov. 14, 2022, news release. The Ukrainian forces successfully defended Kyiv, liberated Kharkiv and Kherson, and stood well-positioned to face future challenges. The U.S., along with 50 other nations, supported Ukraine with training and equipment to ensure their success on the battlefield.
The U.S. recently confirmed a $2 billion package under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, according to a June 9 news release. This includes additional munitions for air-defense systems, artillery round, and other critical capabilities.
The Biden administration authorized the 40th drawdown of equipment from U.S. stocks, providing Ukraine with essential resources such as munitions, armored vehicles and anti-tank weapons, the release reported.
Austin acknowledged the importance of interoperability between Ukraine's military and allied forces in his statement. The meeting featured discussions on future training plans, in-theater sustainment and the work of U.S. EUCOM Commander General Cavoli and colleagues in this regard.
Austin recognized the suffering inflicted on the Ukrainian people by Russia's imperial ambitions, according to his statement. However, he commended the resilience, bravery and unwavering commitment of the Ukrainian people to keep their country free and secure. Austin affirmed the collective unity, determination and long-term support of the Contact Group to stand by Ukraine until the end.
